The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1887-05-12

We find in the New York Science of May 6, q
reference Of some length TO iJr Knst's report Of
his preliminary survey, that publication rrcog
ing and profitable field of geological research
thaa had been supposed. Sciences is a magazine
which occupies a high place Among scientific
periodicals, and is accepted as authority on the
subjects it treats, both ia the United States
and Great Britain.
Under the heading Of this article we may re-
fer to absurd attacks that have recently been
made not only upon DR.. Kosi, but upon geo
logical investigation itself The Key West
Democrat devotss considerable space to mis-
representation of Dr. Kos,, charging, among
other things, that he is a confirmed sprilualist.
and, in our opinion, would be better qualified to
preside at Q hrst-class spiritual seance," etc.
This will astonish people here and wherever
DR.. Koet 10 known, and, though 1t seems un-
necessary TO correct 80 unfounded
charge, we have authority for stating
that he was never 10 seance" in his life,
never held with spiritualists, and never spoke
publicly or privately in favor of their views
The same paper refers to DR.. KOst as having
" established a socalled medical university at
Tallahassee, where medical students could be
graduated cheap for cash without the tedious
process of attending = regular course of lee
lures" Thus the most generous and praise
worthy efforts of Dr. Kost are perverted to a
trailing accusation" Thinking that a winter
course Of lectures al this Southern point would
attract many students, he expended a large
amount OF his own money in an effort TO estab-
lish medical institution in the city he loves, his
personal influence and bis individual means Sc
curing the services OF thoroughly scientific pro-
fessional gentlemen as lecturers. All Of our citi
zens know OF his earnest abors in this enterprise
and in the cause of education generally, and ap-
preciats his character for philanthropy and pub
lie spirit As to graduating students cheap for
cash" DR.. Kost, who has been a medical pro-
fessor for thirty years. never signed or conferred
An irregular diploma.
We now refer to most ungenerous assault in
c. H Jones & Brothers Florida Farmer and
Fruit Gro,oer-especially ungenerons because
that periodical is edited by one who is himself q
scientist, and who has made his mark in his own
department of Botany. and done the State good
service. The article, apparently an editorial,
would seem to indicate that peculiar. but not in
frequent, type of intellect in which q certain
littleness is allied with genius-a narrowness oil
view which can zee little Of good in anything
bat its own speciality. and would seemingly, in
cline TO advance that by jealous depreciation Of
others. So we find this writer making quite 9
lamentable exhibition Of himself in deri ding Il
science of geology science accepted by men
Of even ordinary culture, and which is constant.
ly indicating itself by achieved results that con
tradict the assertion that 1t 10 "superluity >
and mere qualification of cultured refinement
The sneer that for tracing out subterranean
deposits an old man might be sent around with
Q witch hazel stick " Is not only coarse insult
to al pursuing the science of geology and TO or.
binary intelligence, but betrays in the writer a
lack of information as well as sense
of propriety. He obviously knows little
Of geology, its science and domain, though he
would affect q knowledge to sustain his position
that il is unimportant, If not valueless in Flori
da. His forced use of several terms in paleonte-
logy and stratigraphy, with the meanings i'm.
piled, shows specifically his ignorance of the
science, while he has a smattering OF geological
phraseolOgy with which TO impose upon read
ers an impression of bis familiarity with the
subject he discusses.
To show the lack Of information Of the writer
Of the article concerning the geology of Flor
ida, and the great importance OF the devel
opment of the mineral deposits, we may state
that Professor Powell, the chief oficial of the
United States geological survey, last week wrote
frsm Washington to Professor Kost, asking thai
every endeavor may be made for Q thorough
geological survey of Florida referring NOT only
TO the benefits to science. but 10 the very valua-
bic mineral deposits that the disclosed geological
features indicate will bs developed, and the ad
ditions thus made to the wealth of the State
False economy has not infrequently character
lied the legislation which controls the admins
tration Of various public affairs in Florida and
it would seem Q matter of sound economy Ia
DOW provide for the speedy development of the
hidden wealth Of the State. We have no idea
that such illiberal views a. these of the writer ia
the p. r. and r. g. have any weight in the
miads of the mon now having the responsibility
Of providing for the realization OF the material
| interests of the State. The recent preliminary
report Of Dr.. Kost indicates convincingly wha
may reasonably be expected a. . reward for the
Insignificant outlay for . survey.
Only one more point induces US 10 extend oul
censure OF the article of our agricultural con
temporary. This is the iniustice-shan we cal
it the injustice born Of jealousy THAT 10 rerpe
| trated when personal ambition" is implied a
the motive for asking for provision for the sur
vey. This is obviously directed against tn,
man who made the Preliminary Survey. Does
the writer know the man! Can he Judge what
would be the ground for such motive with him
has net this man man already giver
. sufficient proof Of his competencsi-or o
his ability to crafty his tastes or bis "am
0tson"-ifsuch It beat his own expense Dt
not his various donations and long and earnest
lahen In the cause Of education and for the ben.
eft Of science, prove sufficiently not only his
ability but bic willingness to DO liberal things
Who was Il but himself that bore the sxpens'
and performed the labor Of the Preliminary Bur
veyf And who is It that knows that II an ap
preparation for . Geological Survey be mad.
by the Legislature that this man will not placs
contribution right BY it, side TO complement Il
| f' ..u..auu--u-
Grady, OF the Atlanta Csnssisuson, Burke
Of the New Orleans Times. Democrat and Belo
of the Galveston Neses. have bought the New
York Scar. and will make II hencelorth liv,
/ T. An -a.a-fA L